So I received my Cardo scala-500 this Friday and finally got a chance to play with it yesterday. It’s far from being the best bluetooth headset out there, but for $10 after rebate, I wasn’t going to complain:
B$: Cardo scala-500 Bluetooth Headset $9.99 AR
SD: BACK !!! – Cardo Scala-500 Bluetooth Headset for $9.99 shipped AR
So the package was decent and the headset is pretty tiny. Besides the ear piece and the AC adapter (to charge), it also comes with booth a ear loop and eyeglasses clip (haven’t figure out how to use the clip yet) to hold the bluetooth ear piece in place. It also comes with a belt clip and neck strap depending on how you like to carry it around. Personally, I got this bluetooth headset as a toy and not something I plan to use daily. In fact I don’t really plan on using it with my cell phone much as I don’t really like talking on the phone. One thing about the ear loop I wished was to make it adjustable, meaning bendable to any shape I want. Currently it’s a big loose and if I’m moving my head a lot, it sways a bit.
The quality is decent. On the headset there’s a volume control and an button. I don’t really like the steps needed to turn it on and off as it requires holding the volume control down until it changes colors. The range is decent. I was able to get clear audio and no static up to about 15ft and could still hear myself around 30ft. I do only have a class 2 bluetooth adapter so that might be why. The product description says it has 9 hours of talk time per charge and a week of stand-by. Also it takes about 2-3 hours to get it fully charged and it’s recommended you let it charge for 4 hours intially.
Connecting it to either my cell phone or computer was pretty easy. The default code is 0000 and it just connects. Both my computer and cell phone recognized it was a headset and treated it as so. There is a weird thing after turning on the headset and it autoconnects to the PC, the incoming audio would all be static, however, I can hear fine. I would then have to reconnect it initiating from the PC side and then all is well.
Another reason why I wanted to get a bluetooth headset is to try out SkypeOut. I’ve made a few calls so far and they’ve been rather clear. I do get some distortion some time, but not because of my bandwidth, but I think it’s because of my CPU being over utilized (i.e. trying to load all the pictures for Window Live Local on my 24″ LCD).
All in all, I’m happy with my new $10 gadget.
If you’re looking for a cheap bluetooth headset to play way, this week BestBuy is selling the Nokia Wireless Headset for Bluetooth-Enabled Phones (Model: BH-200) for $10 out the door. Currently it’s backordered online, but should still be available for pickup in most stores. If not, get a raincheck.
B$: Nokia bluetooth wireless headset for $10 (BH200) 7750105
SD: Nokia Bluetooth headset for $10 @BB (NO REBATES)
Just by looking at this picture, I’m not exactly sure how it clips on to your head.